Health insurance is not a simple or inexpensive system to navigate, even though it is vital to helping us keep living the lives we want to. That’s why many employers take advantage of group plans to streamline the process and the costs for their employees. Of course, without an off-farm job in the family, employer healthcare plans aren’t an option for self-employed farmers.

This leads to many farmers not having health insurance. USDA said that in 2015, 10.7% of farmers didn’t have coverage. That’s comparable to the 9.1% of the general population that had no health insurance.

What’s not on par is that the same survey reported that 41.4% of dairy farmers lack coverage. This is driven in part by a lower proportion of dairy farmers being covered by employer-sponsored plans.

Employer plans are not the only option for health insurance coverage, though. Individuals can also secure health insurance through association health plans, Health Insurance Marketplace, or private insurance. This latter option is often what farmers pursue, but it usually comes with costly premiums and/or deductibles.

An association plan offers the benefits of group insurance, like an employer uses, but through a membership group such as a local Farm Bureau. It may be worth exploring if this is an option in groups you belong to. The Health Insurance Marketplace found at www.healthcare.gov offers individual and family plans. Though they may be more expensive, many people will qualify for financial help to reduce their costs. Open enrollment begins November 15, but you may be eligible at any time if you experience a life change that alters your insurance coverage.

There are many resources available and groups that exist to help farmers navigate the best and most affordable healthcare option for them. In the Badger State, Covering Wisconsin is a program of the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension that consists of a network of experts who can help individuals compare options and find affordable health insurance choices. This is a free resource that can also assist in navigating billing and appeals.

Especially on a farm with a small labor pool, a health emergency can cause serious disruption to the business’ operations. While health insurance won’t stop health concerns from happening, it can help the recovery process go smoother, allowing you to get back to work. Search the resources available in your state for farmers and other self-employed people to find the option that works best for you.